Dynamics of delayed-coupled chaotic logistic maps: Influence of network topology,connectivity and delay times

We review our recent work on the synchronization of a network of delay-coupled maps, focusing on the interplay of the network topology and the delay times that take into account the finite velocity of propagation of interactions. We assume that the elements of the network are identical (N logistic maps in the regime where the individual maps, without coupling, evolve in a chaotic orbit) and that the coupling strengths are uniform throughout the network. We show that if the delay times are sufficiently heterogeneous, for adequate coupling strength the network synchronizes in a spatially homogeneous steady state, which is unstable for the individual maps without coupling. This synchronization behavior is referred to as ‘suppression of chaos by random delays’ and is in contrast with the synchronization when all the interaction delay times are homogeneous, because with homogeneous delays the network synchronizes in a state where the elements display in-phase time-periodic or chaotic oscillations. We analyze the influence of the network topology considering four different types of networks: two regular (a ring-type and a ring-type with a central node) and two random (free-scale Barabasi-Albert and small-world Newman-Watts). We find that when the delay times are sufficiently heterogeneous the synchronization behavior is largely independent of the network topology but depends on the network’s connectivity, i.e., on the average number of neighbors per node.      

Comparison between otoacoustic and auditory brainstem response latencies supports slow backward propagation of otoacoustic emissions

Experimental measurements of the latency of transient evoked otoacoustic emission and auditory brainstem responses are compared, to discriminate between different cochlear models for the backward acoustic propagation of otoacoustic emissions. In most transmission-line cochlear models otoacoustic emissions propagate towards the base as a slow transverse traveling wave, whereas other models assume fast backward propagation via longitudinal compression waves in the fluid. Recently, sensitive measurements of the basilar membrane motion have cast serious doubts on the existence of slow backward traveling waves associated with distortion product otoacoustic emissions [He et al., Hear. Res. 228, 112-122 (2007)]. On the other hand, recent analyses of "Allen-Fahey" experiments suggest instead that the slow mechanism transports most of the otoacoustic energy [Shera et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 122, 1564-1575 (2007)]. The two models can also be discriminated by comparing accurate estimates of the otoacoustic emission latency and of the auditory brainstem response latency. In this study, this comparison is done using human data, partly original, and partly from the literature. The results are inconsistent with fast otoacoustic propagation, and suggest that slow traveling waves on the basilar membrane are indeed the main mechanism for the backward propagation of the otoacoustic energy.     

Transfer of angular momentum to matter from acoustical vortices in free space

An experimental demonstration of the mechanical transfer of orbital angular momentum to matter from acoustical vortices in free field is presented. Vortices with topological charges l=+/-1 and l=+/-2 were generated and a torsion pendulum was used to study the angular momentum transfer to hanging disks of several sizes. This allowed us to make a comparative study of the effective acoustical torque in terms of topological charge of the vortex, the disk radius, and its position along the main propagation axis. A theoretical discussion of the generated sound fields is also provided.     

A highly accurate GPU Lattice Boltzmann method with directional interpolation for the probability distribution functions

In this article, a highly accurate and graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is presented. The methodology is derived from a combination of conventional and recent LBM algorithms, mainly focusing on reducing the computational time, memory allocation, and complexity of existing algorithms. The general implementation focuses on accelerating the overall methodology using GPGPU technology based on Compute Shaders from OpenGL and avoids the storage of the distribution function components to reduce the memory allocation size. Furthermore, an efficient spatial interpolation of the probability distribution function components is described, based on a directional interpolation, without unnecessary control points for the reconstruction of virtual nodes data. The present methodology, tested for spatial accuracy via two- and three-dimensional Lid-Driven Cavity benchmark cases, shows excellent agreement with the results reported in the literature. Additionally, time efficiency is analyzed by comparing different configurations for the construction of virtual streaming points.     

Recognition of quaternary ammonium cations by calix[4]arene derivatives supported on gold nanoparticles

Calix[4]arene derivatives supported on monolayer protected gold clusters show a remarkable enhanced binding efficiency towards quaternary ammonium salts in homogeneous solution of apolar solvents with respect to the corresponding unsupported hosts.     

Structural transitions in the polyalanine alpha-helix under uniaxial strain

We analyzed the response to strain of an infinite polyalanine chain in the alpha-helical conformation using density functional theory. Under compressive strain the alpha-helix is found to undergo structural transitions to a pi-helix when the length of the helix is reduced by more than 10%. Under tensile strain the structure changes into a 3(10)-helix when the length is stretched by more than 10%. Our analysis of these transitions shows that they proceed essentially in two steps: At first there is mainly a length change, and only with some delay the helix twist adjusts.     

Objective estimates of cochlear tuning by otoacoustic emission analysis

A new method is presented for estimating cochlear tuning starting from measurements of either the transient evoked otoacoustic emission latency or the spontaneous otoacoustic emission minimal spacing. This method could be useful in obtaining indirect information about the tuning curve, particularly for subjects that, like neonates, cannot be studied with psycho-acoustical techniques. Theoretical models of the acoustic transmission along the cochlea based on the transmission line formalism predict a relation between the otoacoustic emission latency and the frequency. This relation depends on the tuning curve, i.e., the frequency dependence of the quality factor of the cochlear resonances. On the other hand, models for the generation of spontaneous emissions based on the concept of coherent scattering from cochlear random inhomogeneities imply an independent relation between the tuning curve and the minimal frequency spacing between spontaneous emissions. In this study, experimental measurements of the otoacoustic emission latency and of the minimal spacing between spontaneous emissions are presented. Theoretical relations are derived, which connect these two measured quantities and the tuning curve. The typically longer latency of neonates implies a higher degree of tuning at high levels of stimulation.     

Electromagnetic momentum in frontiers of modern physics

We review the role of the momentum of the electromagnetic (EM) fields P _e in several areas of modern physics. P _e represents the EM interaction in equations for matter and light waves propagation. As an application of wave propagation properties, a first order optical experiment which tests the speed of light in moving rarefied gases is presented. Within a classical context, the momentum P _e appears also in proposed tests of EM interactions involving open currents and angular momentum conservation laws. Moreover, P _e is the link to the unitary vision of the quantum effects of the Aharonov-Bohm (AB) type and, for several of these effects, the strength of P _e is evaluated. These effects provide a quantum approach to evaluate the limit of the photon mass m _ph. A new effect of the AB type, together with the scalar AB effect, provides the basis for table-top experiments which yield the limit m _ph = 9.4 × 10⁻⁵²g, a value that improves the results achieved with recent classical and quantum approaches.